Accessible Playgrounds On The Central Coast

The Central Coast has a variety of different playgrounds that cater to children with special needs; whether they need wheelchair accessibility or just a quiet zone they can go to escape the noise, these playgrounds cater to all abilities.

These wonderful, all inclusive playgrounds are certain to become favourites, or maybe, just somewhere new to try for the kids, whatever their ability.

Speers Point

SPEERS POINT

This playground is a child’s paradise, whatever their age or ability. Located on the picturesque foreshore of Lake Macquarie, Speer’s Point Park, it's spread across 2 hectares with incredible play equipment and bike tracks and all fully fenced. It was nominated Best Playspace in Australia in 2011, and was partially funded by Variety.

For children with disabilities there is lots of fun to be had with a wheel chair accessible play boat and colourful totem poles that have tactile features for children with vision impairment. There's also a quiet area that has been created away from the commotion of the rest of the playground and tucked into one corner of the playground where children with sensory needs, an aversion to noise or children that simply need some quiet time, can go and hang out.

Liberty playground is located in Long Jetty and named after the Liberty swing, which is a wheelchair swing, located within the playground. There is a huge area of flat parkland, and walkways, making it easier for wheelchairs to get around on. There is a large climbing net, that can be enjoyed and all surfaces are covered in softfall. With the new car park now operational, it provides much easier access for plenty of vehicles.

This playground and adjoining parkland was specifically created to provide visitors with a unique sensory experience. Creators and builders set out with the specific goal in mind that would integrate and allow for inclusive play involvements for kids that are visually impaired and also those that who use a wheelchair. The result was a playground that allows for 80% of it to be accessed by those in a wheelchair, which is a remarkable achievement, making it a park that cannot be missed.

The designer’s considerations included a vast array of sensory experiences including touch, scent, sound and balance, plus educating the visitor at the same time. A section of the park is fully fenced allowing parents some peace of mind for younger children or those that may like to run.

There are mosaic fish scattered around the park, handrails with timber beads, various tactile elements on carved timber poles and two mosaic tabletop games. These are just some of the interesting things kids can find here.

This playground doesn’t offer a huge amount for kids and adults with disabilities, but when they are so few and far between, it’s still worth mentioning for those that may want to explore somewhere new.

It does provide some wheelchair access and equipment that allows wheelchair friendly play, plus a swing with a disabled chair and frame.

This park and playground has been organised into play areas for different age groups, from young kids in a fully fenced, pirate themed play area; to the area for kids that are slightly older, with a basket swing, musical instruments and merry go round; a sensory play area, an incredible maze featuring sounds, scents and textures within and a track to ride scooters. Lastly the older kids get a fantastic flying fox, which is sure to expend a lot of energy, some fitness equipment and the largest space net structure in the whole of the country! The most positive part of this park is that it is accessible by anyone in a wheelchair, anywhere.

The designers here have created something extraordinary for kids and even adults of any ability. There is so much creative play that can go on within these surroundings that the kids (and adults!) won’t want to leave.